Governor Kathy Hochul has announced continued investments to strengthen security along New York’s Northern Border, aiming to disrupt the operations of transnational criminal organizations involved in gun, drug, and human trafficking. During a visit with State Police Troop B in Plattsburgh, Hochul highlighted an $8 million allocation in the FY26 state budget to bolster enforcement efforts in the region. This follows earlier investments made last year for similar border security enhancements.
“Since taking office, I have been clear with New Yorkers that their safety will always be my number one priority,” Governor Hochul said. “By strategically investing in securing our borders, keeping our streets safe and preventing dangerous individuals from illegally trafficking guns, drugs and other illicit items, we are delivering on that promise — and we will continue to do so to ensure safety and security across the North Country.”
State Police Superintendent Steven G. James expressed support for the initiative: “We appreciate Governor Hochul for funding the strategic investments in personnel, technology and equipment that will be used to combat transnational crime at the northern border. With these new resources, we are better equipped to track cross-border criminal activity, share intelligence with our law enforcement partners, and disrupt criminal networks before they can endanger New Yorkers.”
The $8 million investment is designated for additional personnel and equipment such as more investigators for the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force in Plattsburgh, six intelligence analysts supporting cross-border investigations, staff for a counter drone initiative by State Police, as well as further support roles. Funds have also been used for mobile license plate readers, counter drone technology and software, patrol vehicles, and boats.
In addition to these measures, Governor Hochul directed $127 million statewide for local police agencies to modernize law enforcement technology. Of this amount, $2.6 million was allocated specifically for North Country police departments. The Plattsburgh Police Department received over half a million dollars to acquire two drones and a 3-D crime scene laser scanner.
This recent funding builds on a previous $5 million commitment from Hochul’s FY25 budget directed toward the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services and State Police. That earlier investment supported purchases of detection equipment for contraband, enhanced drone software capabilities, additional license plate readers, and expanded training programs.
With these enhanced resources—ranging from increased staffing to advanced technology—State Police have carried out successful operations including drone deployments to locate suspected traffickers of controlled substances; use of license plate readers leading to arrests near the border; and intelligence-driven investigations resulting in seizures of illegal handguns.
Security improvements have led to measurable results. There has been an increase in both gun seizures (3,378 guns seized by northern border patrols in 2024—a 57 percent rise since 2019) and Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs), with 150 issued statewide in 2024 and 119 so far this year. Additionally, index crimes reported in Plattsburgh dropped by three percent between January and May 2025 compared with the same period last year.
To date, Governor Hochul has committed nearly $3 billion toward public safety initiatives throughout New York State.
